Warner Bros. Discovery is making huge adjustments to its U.S. Networks management.
On Friday, information broke that a number of main execs are exiting the corporate amid an ongoing restructuring.
These leaving embrace Jane Latman, HGTV and Meals Community dwelling and meals content material president; Nancy Daniels, who was in control of Turner channels and Discovery channels; Matthew Butler, group svp of Journey Channel; and Scott Lewers, who oversees franchise collection expansions and tentpole programming on the Discovery and Turner channels.
Kathleen Finch, chairman and CCO, U.S. Networks Group, introduced the information in a memo to workers on Friday, saying the corporate must make “further changes for the long run” because it evolves to “a extra streamlined working mannequin.”
“I’m asserting a reorganization right this moment that can in the end allow our enterprise to run extra successfully and collaboratively throughout all of the manufacturers and enterprise capabilities whereas sustaining our sturdy tradition of content material creation and highly effective storytelling,” Finch wrote.
Latman had been on the firm for almost 20 years, in accordance with Finch’s memo. On account of the exec’s departure, artistic oversight for programming content material falls on executives Betsy Sanner Ayala for Meals Community and Loren Ruch for HGTV. Each will report on to Finch.
Daniels had been on the firm for 15 years, initially overseeing TLC programming. The exec’s former Discovery Channel duties transfer to Howard Lee, who has content material management for TLC and Journey Channel. Oversight for TNT, TBS and Tru goes to Jason Sarlanis who oversees ID and HLN crime content material.
“Whereas it’s undoubtedly tough to say goodbye to long-time colleagues and mates, the reorganization we’re endeavor will in the end allow our content material groups to share assets, work extra collaboratively throughout manufacturers and genres and maximize our means to innovate and create throughout this dynamic time for our trade,” Finch stated.
The WBD shakeups proceed
The adjustments are simply the newest main shakeups at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Lately, CNN, underneath the route of community chairman Chris Licht, rolled out layoffs and large cuts, which included ending dwell programming on HLN. Channing Dungey’s Warner Bros. Tv Group additionally reportedly decreased its workforce by 26% by way of layoffs in October.
In the meantime, HBO Max continues its huge programming and workers cuts as Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to merge the streamer with Discovery+ within the spring.
After former DC Movies head Walter Hamada’s exit in October, James Gunn and Peter Safran got here on to function co-chairmen and CEOs of DC Studios. The studio is reportedly making huge adjustments, which can embrace dropping Patty Jenkins’ Surprise Lady 3 in addition to a slew of star-studded DC tasks.
Following WarnerMedia and Discovery’s $43 billion merger in April, CEO David Zaslav took on a mission to chop $3 billion in prices. That quantity has since risen to $3.5 billion, that means much more adjustments are possible coming.
